Fisher Brothers history

In 1919 the Fishers formed an alliance with General Motors, with the automaker taking a 60 percent share of Fisher, later increased to 100 percent.

The site on Grand Boulevard was not the first choice. It made sense since the new General Motors headquarters — also designed by Kahn, in 1921 — had recently been erected within walking distance.

In 1922 Kahn was impressed with an entry for a competition to design the Chicago Tribune Tower.

It was inspired by wide Parisian boulevards with stately homes, ornamental trees and elaborate displays of flowers; however, in 1927 this was not how Albert Kahn, architect of the Fisher Building, examined the future site for his building.

The Detroit Times announced the lighting of the tower in November 1928: “Detroit’s night skies are studded by a new jewel of light. … The great Fisher Tower is ablaze with light. … It presents a startling spectacle.”

Kahn wrote in 1929: “Due to the hearty cooperation of owners, architects, and contractors the structure was completed in record time, with the quality of workmanship throughout of the highest.”

Three of the Fisher brothers — Edward, Lawrence and Alfred — appear at a ball in 1935. (Detroit News archives)

1936, from the Detroit Historical Society collection.

1940, from the Detroit Historical Society collection.

In 1950, General Motors was the largest automaker in the world, and Fisher Body…

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